Weed-eating goats head to the hills for next job in city park

Weed-eating goats brought in by the City of Kamloops to target weed control in a local park are being moved tomorrow.

About 200 goats, managed by Rocky Ridge Vegetation Control, began their second year at Kenna Cartwright Park as part of the city's invasive plant management program.

Now that they've met their goals for one park, they will be moved to another — Aberdeen's West Highlands, the site of the former Aberdeen Hills Golf Course.

Weed-eating goats made their first appearance in Kamloops last year after spending about 11 days on 30 hectares at Kenna Cartwright. They spent last winter at the Tournament Capital Ranch and are expected to work — or eat — for at least three years. It is expected to take a couple years to see anticipated results from the animals.

The cost of using the goats as weed control is about $300 per hectare. The city also uses mulch and hand pulling to control weeds in other parts of the city but will also use spray when necessary.

The city is reminding the public to keep their dogs on a leash while in the park.

To contact a reporter for this story, email: jwallace@infotelnews.ca, call: (250) 319-7494 or tweet: @jess__wallace.

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